With NBA free agency starting up, here are three players that the New Orleans Pelicans could use their $15 million mid-level exception on.
It'll be free agency time for the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night, which means they can officially work on filling their final two roster spots. They don't have many resources to work with, but according to Jake Madison, the maximum amount they can sign someone for is $15.05 million, thanks to the Non-Tax Mid Level Exception.
Here are two names to keep an eye on that fit that amount, or a little less, that fit at least something they need to add to their team this offseason:
New York Knicks C Mitchell Robinson
If they aren't already, Pelicans fans are probably tired of seeing Robinson's name until he actually signs with the team, but it really is just that good of a fit. Obviously the injury issues are concerning, especially given the recent history of this club, but New Orleans can afford use him in ways to keep him fresh, similar to what they did with Zion Williamson.
Robinson is just a perfect match. He's a 7-foot-1 physical big who is efficient at the rim, can rebound and can protect the rim. Certain matchups destroyed the Pelicans last season, simply because they didn't have anyone they could trust to guard strong bigs. Robinson would alleviate that issue. He's also projected to make the $15 million that New Orleans has at its disposal and is from the city.
Los Angeles Lakers SG/SF Luke Kennard
Kennard posted 8.4 points, 2.4 points and 2.2 assists on 53.3/47.8/91.3 shooting splits. If the Lakers don't bring him back, he would be a perfect shooting option to add to this team that was one of the worst three-point shootings in the NBA last year.
While Kennard won't demand the whole MLE, the wiggle room could help the Pelicans compete and force a team out of the bidding. Overpaying a little bit might be worth it for just what Kennard would bring to the roster.
The current bench shooters that New Orleans will be trusting next season are Jordan Poole and Jordan Hawkins, as of now. Both could be moved this offseason, because the team isn't happy with them as their best options off the bench. Kennard is more trustworthy as he has finished above 41.5% from three in all but two of his nine seasons. Even those were 39.4% and 39.9% at the start of his career.
Kennard wouldn't fix their poor shooting offense, but he would go a long way to doing it off the bench.
